English Insight – Eponyms

The naming of anything – from a foodstuff to an astronomical phenomenon – after a person or place associated with its` creation.

Examples

Aberdeen terrier

Dog: one of the Scottish terriers, small compact and lovable (more in appearance than temperament – it is a “terrier”, after all) named after Aberdeen, one of Scotland`s principal cities on the north east coast of the country.

Abernethy biscuit

A biscuit: a simple cookie made from plain flour and milk, plus bran,sprinkled with caraway seeds to aid digestion, after Dr John Abernethy (1764 – 1831), who was a dietitian, with a mission to improve the staple foods of the population